DEEP POLITICS

Grails are a group who have been referred to as Post-Rock but are listed here on PA under Psyche/Space. On this album, the only one of theirs I have heard, I can hear both styles along with a very soundtrack-like, cinematic atmosphere. I like the diversity of instruments and sounds on this mostly instrumental album. Synths are used almost exclusively for background atmosphere, never being a lead instrument. Lots of various guitar tones are used and sometimes there are wordless vocals that don't stand out at all.

"Future Primitive" has a Middle-Eastern vibe to it. This song sounds to me like a cross between Radiohead and The Tea Party. "Corridors Of Power" has some talking. I like the mix of a trip-hop beat and 'Andean' pipes. The title track is one of the better songs on the album. Features some good piano work. Just love the electric piano sound in "Daughters Of Bilitis" but otherwise it's not one of my faves. The title of "Almost Grew My Hair" is a reference to the David Crosby song "Almost Cut My Hair." This song has some wordless vocals. Some great guitar work throughout this track. "I Led Three Lives" builds up to a nice groove around halfway. Gets riffy for a bit and then slowly mellows out and gets more ambient sounding. "Deep Snow" again reminds me of The Tea Party with it's Middle-Eastern styled melody. Later gets more post-rock sounding.

There is nothing extremely original here but at the same time the music does not sound derivitive or cliche at all. The sound and production is terrific for a new release; not over compressed leaving out all the dynamics of the music. This is one of those albums where you end up liking it the more you hear it. I have no idea what their earlier albums sound like, but after hearing Deep Politics I'm interested. Great modern music. 4 stars.